NUMBER TWELVE, 2019
In this issue 3
When God Just Walked In
6
Seven Ways to Cultivate Joy
8
Simplifying Life to Pursue God
charles r. swindoll
insight for living ministries steve johnson
11 Risking Rejection to Love Like Jesus
robyn roste
Q&A 13 Why Do Judaism and Christianity Differ on Beliefs about the Messiah?
steve johnson
Beyond the Broadcast 15 Kick-Starting a Plan to Reach the World
Insights is published by Insight for Living Canada, the Bibleteaching ministry of Charles (Chuck) R. Swindoll. Chuck is the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Texas. His international radio program Insight for Living has aired for more than 40 years. We hope this publication will instruct, inspire, and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Copyright Š 2019 Insight for Living Canada. All rights reserved. No portion of this monthly publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages are taken from the NLT. Unless otherwise noted, photography and illustration by Tim Schellenberg. IFLC is an autonomous ministry and certified member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Printed in Canada.
by charles r. swindoll
P
icture with me this scene from one of my favourite stories.... Go back with me to the year 1943. A bombing mission was taking place over Germany. The flying crew in this squadron had flown so many missions together, they felt like a family. But they were worried as they approached a heavily fortified area near the border of Germany. As their B-17 Flying Fortress crossed over into enemy territory, German airships swarmed around the plane and heavy antiaircraft shells began to explode all around. The plane bounced in the sky, and every gunner fought for his life. The chaplain, who
had climbed onboard for this mission, looked over the crew and realized it was time to reassure them. He grabbed the intercom and said, “It’s alright, men. Have no fear. God is with you.” Without hesitation, the tail gunner shouted back, “God may be up front with you guys, but He sure ain’t back here!” Suddenly, an enemy shell tore through the tail of the plane and passed out the top without exploding, leaving a gaping hole below where it came in and above where it went out. After a moment of stunned silence, the tail gunner added, “Correction. God just walked in!”
Cover & Article Photo: Chad Madden on unsplash.com
It was as if God had just walked into that I don’t know four words that better describe the first Christmas than those restaurant, took a seat at my table, and said spoken by that startled tail gunner. A power- to me, “Listen to these words. I want you to mad Roman dictator occupied the throne, do them.” God wanted me to adore Him, despite my everything seemed out of control, and terror filled the world. Then suddenly, God just confusion. He wanted my heart to be open to Him—to say a loud “Yes!” to His will for walked in! Instead of an enemy shell, it was a host of my life...to do whatever He led me to do, to angels who surprised a group of shepherds go wherever He led me to go...to adore Him to announce the entrance of God’s Son. God’s above all others, Christ, the Lord. With my veil of self-pity tossed aside, I surprise brought unspeakable relief—salvawas flooded with relief. God had to take me tion, peace, and joy. as a young marine to Japan to remove all the God’s surprises still bring relief. I’ll never forget when that truth hit home distractions that normally would have preoccupied me at Christmasfor me. It was Christmas My situation hadn’t time so that I could be Eve,1958. I was a young with Him and adore Him. marine stationed in Okichanged, but I had I was still physically nawa. Our company was changed. What a by myself. My situation on manoeuvres and had difference it made hadn’t changed, but I had flown to northern Japan when God walked changed. What a differwhere we had set up temporary barracks. We were into my world with a ence it made when God on liberty for the holidays, message I hadn’t been walked into my world with a message I hadn’t and with some buddies, I open to before! been open to before! had taken a train to Tokyo. That night, the direction of my life took a My friends had gone off to do what most marines do when they’re on liberty—find whole new turn. When she read my letters, trouble. I had chosen to sit alone in a pitiful, Cynthia was thrilled to hear what God was small Japanese restaurant, sipping a pop and doing in me. Eventually, I returned home feeling sorry for myself. It was the loneliest and began to study for the ministry. God had taken me overseas to show me the value of Christmas of my life. Lord, I lamented, What am I doing here? I’m adoring Him, bowing before Him, and serv8,000 miles from the one I love the most and all ing Him as Lord. What about you? The holidays can be my family. I can’t stand it! I am totally confused about why You brought me here. What are You lonely times for many folks, not just military personnel far from home. If this Christmas up to? Suddenly, a song came on over the finds you alone, watch for God’s unexpected speakers—in English. The familiar invitation to experience a closeness with Christmas carol “O Come, All Ye Faithful” Him that you’ve never known before. God filled that Japanese restaurant. My heart just walked in that first Christmas when the world seemed gloomiest. This Christmas, He stirred as the chorus repeated: may surprise you with His loving presence. O come, let us adore Him; He may just walk in...and, oh, the relief He O come, let us adore Him; will bring! O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
O Come All Ye Faithful O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant; O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem! Come and behold Him—born the King of angels! O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him—Christ, the Lord! True God from true God, Light from light eternal, born of a virgin, a mortal He comes; very God, begotten, not created! O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him—Christ, the Lord! Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation; O sing, all ye bright hosts of heav’n above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest! O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him—Christ, the Lord! Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him—Christ, the Lord! John Francis Wade, “O Come All Ye Faithful,” trans. Frederick Oakeley, in The Celebration Hymnal: Songs and Hymns for Worship (n.p.: Word Music/Integrity Music, 1997), hymn 249.
Kick-Starting a Plan to Reach the World SINGLE CD MESSAGE
For ordering information visit insightforliving.ca or view enclosed flyer.
by insight for living ministries
Image: JThom Holmes on Unsplash
W
ant more joy in your day? Culti- up on you when you view your hardest vate it! Joy springs from viewing lessons as gifts from God. the day’s events from eternity’s 5. Make praise and gratitude a habit Has God met a need? Praise Him! Have perspective. With this intentional focus, you’re sure to see today differently—with your challenges given you greater oppormore joy and conviction that God is at work tunities to see Him work? Thank Him! Joy flows from a grateful and responsive in your life. 1. Rehearse with God the reasons you heart. Before you turn in at night, write down three to five blessings in your “joy trust Him Tell Him which of His attributes is your journal.” Make it a habit, and watch your favourite right now. Read the praises of joyful attitude grow. Scripture back to Him—begin with Psalm 6. Fill your mind with music Listen to, sing, and meditate on music 103. Join with another believer in prayers of thanksgiving, and delight yourself in that draws your heart nearer to God and His Word. His character. 7. Take the long view 2. Keep a “joy journal” Investors advise their clients not to Record the reasons you have to rejoice and the reminders of God’s faithfulness worry about the daily ups and downs of that you encounter in your everyday life. the stock market—what matters is the In addition, why not press a leaf from your long view. Does life present incredible challenges today? Are your prayer walks into its pages or Want more joy reserves at a low, or are you include a photo of a person enjoying a content plateau? that brings you joy each time in your day? Regardless of today’s events, you remember him or her? Cultivate it! take the long view. Remember Think big—expand your journal into a “joy box” or a “joy drawer” that that God remains in charge of your days brings floods of joy each time you open it. and will faithfully develop His character in you. 3. Surround yourself with joyful people Remember, joy springs from viewing the Joy is contagious—so build relationships with friends whose lives exhibit day’s events from eternity’s perspective. their confidence in God. Pray for each Trust that God controls your life’s details other that your joy in Christ would con- (Romans 8:28), that He hears your every request (Psalm 116:1), and that His joy will tinue to increase. 4. Approach life’s challenges and trials be your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). redemptively God doesn’t waste the difficult cir- Adapted from “Seven Ways to Cultivate Joy,” cumstances of your life but uses them Insights (March 2001): 2. Copyright © 2001 by to develop His character in you. Review Insight for Living. All rights reserved worldwide. Romans 5 and James 1 for help in processing pressure productively. Joy will sneak
by steve johnson
Image: Irene van der Poel on Unsplash
I
n an effort to pursue God by simplifying life, I’m trying to learn how to KISS. By that I mean I want to live my life by the KISS principle: Keep It Simple Steve. I’m working on this but it is harder than it sounds. At the end of the year, many Christians, brimming with optimism and motivation, assess their walk with Christ and resolve to turn over a new leaf by cultivating their spiritual life. Sadly for many, the leaf wilts, the resolution dissolves, and the motivation stalls as their lives become complicated. Why do some committed Christians find having quality time with the Lord and keeping it simple so difficult? In his book So, You Want to Be Like Christ? Chuck pinpoints one reason why intimacy with God is such a struggle: our lives are too cluttered. More specifically, our time and our minds are filled with pursuits, activities, amusements, and commitments making it almost impossible to de-clutter. If we want to pursue God we need to be able to actually do what God says when he commands, “Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act,”(Psalm 37:7) and “Be still, and know that I am God,” (Psalm 46:10). Here’s a test to see if you need to de-clutter your mind: try and sit before God in silence for two whole minutes—not prayer, mental gymnastics, or reviewing your to-do list, just silence.
De-cluttering and simplifying life to pursue God is not easy. It’s contrary to our nature—we are material people living in a material world. It’s contrary to a culture consumed with everything except God. Simplifying is hard because sometimes good is the enemy of best. Unknowingly, we may have been deceived into believing the lie that these things keeping us from simplicity and devotion to Jesus are things that will give us satisfaction and make us happy. But compared to knowing God, these are shallow, trivial pursuits. Simplifying life begins with changing our priorities. This is a spiritual discipline that takes time to implement and diligence to maintain. The reason for de-cluttering is the reward of freeing up time and mental space to pursue God in earnest. What are your goals for the new year? Here’s my condensed version of spiritual de-cluttering to help us pursue God by simplifying life. 1. Recognize The first step is recognizing the problem of clutter. Acknowledge that complexity in your life keeps you from pursuing God and knowing Him more deeply. Admit that the stuff around you is not what brings true fulfilment. Only knowing Jesus can. 2. Reaffirm It’s important to prioritize your time with God and to reaffirm it daily. Reaffirm that
the value of knowing Jesus far outweighs 6. Rest At least one day in seven. The Lord gave anything else in this world. Restate your us the principle of resting with the Sabbath. goal of de-cluttering and focus on deeper Implementing this principle by not engagintimacy with the Lord. ing in things you do other days of the week 3. Remove will simplify your life. Learn to think of rest Tidy and remove the physical clutter that as an activity. surrounds you in your work and living space. It requires too much of your time, 7. Rivet Focus your attention on one thing at a time. energy, and money. Purge paper daily. When we are multi-task4. Reduce Even good things can Why do some committed ing—doing more than become the enemy of Christians find having one thing at a time—it creates a sense of comthe best things because quality time with the plexity within us. This is they require our menLord and keeping it because we are not truly tal, physical, emotional, present in a given task, and spiritual energy, simple so difficult? conversation, or project. leaving nothing to A simplified life is achieved in part when devote to Christ. Reduce the activities that we are able to devote ourselves to one thing make you too busy for God. at a time. 5. Refuse Pursuing God in a greater way in this comThis means saying “no” more often, even to good things. Stay mindful when shop- ing year will probably mean we have to let go ping not to buy more than is essential. of other things. I suggest de-cluttering and Delay gratification. Many times our lives joining me in learning how to KISS. are full of clutter because when we want something we immediately go out and get Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for it. We don’t stop to ask, is there another Living Canada. way to accomplish this same goal? Do I need to buy instead of borrow or rent?
Did you know Insight for Living airs on radio stations across the country every day? To find the program on your local station visit insightforliving.ca/find-station
by robyn roste
W
ithout taking a personality test, your authentic self. In the face of unbelief, it’s clear I am reserved. Hugs, Jesus stood firm. He was confident in His sharing feelings, and anything person and certain of what was true. So leading to public displays of emotion are much I want to embody Jesus’ conviction situations I try and avoid. and passion, and be like Him. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not afraid of Despite my reservations, I tend to love big feelings or honesty. But I feel vulner- others deeply but hesitate to let them in able and exposed when my emotions are on my secret. If I follow Jesus’ example obvious to everyone. of love, regardless of It’s so easy to get it being returned or God sent His Son to hurt, and people can rejected, I need to be die for me. He thinks be insensitive. It’s a lot vulnerable. I need to I’m worth dying for, no show others how much easier to hide my true feelings rather than matter how many times I I care. risk rejection. Looking at love this forget or reject Him. When I think of way is scary but at the God’s love I’m baffled. I have trouble con- same time, I feel assurance that God’s necting with His actions because of how love for me is bigger than any rejection I vulnerable He was when He sent Jesus to face. Psalm 13:5 says, “But I trust in your earth to save us from our death sentence unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your by dying in our place. salvation.” Even if I get hurt, I know my The verse I’ve found the most problem- worth rests in God’s love, not in what othatic is one of the first verses I memorized, ers think of me. God sent His Son to die for John 3:16. “For God so loved the world me. He thinks I’m worth dying for, no matthat he gave his one and only Son, that ter how many times I forget or reject Him. whoever believes in him shall not per“But God demonstrates his own love for ish but have eternal life,” (NIV). Over us in this: While we were still sinners, and over I’ve wondered what this means. Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 How could God put Himself out there like that? Doesn’t He know how many of us Robyn Roste is the media and marketing manager reject Him and don’t accept His love? at Insight for Living Canada. Jesus confronted the very thing I’m most afraid of: being rejected for being
тветы PERGUNTAS E RESPOSTAS CWESTIYNAU AC ATEBION SPØRSMÅL OG SVAR FRÅGOR OCH SVAR KÉRD LASZOK QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FRAGEN UND ANTWORTEN QUESTIONS ET RÉPONSES VRAGEN EN ANTWOO EGUNTAS Y RESPUESTAS CEISTEANNA AGUS FREAGRAÍ 问题和解答 DOMANDE E RISPOSTE ਸਵਾਲ ਅਤੇ ਜਵਾਬ пита повіді PYTANIA I ODPOWIEDZI MGA TANONG AT MGA SAGOT вопросы и ответы PERGUNTAS E RESPOSTAS CWESTIY ATEBION SPØRSMÅL OG SVAR FRÅGOR OCH SVAR KÉRDÉSEK ÉS VÁLASZOK QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FRAGEN TWORTEN QUESTIONS ET RÉPONSES VRAGEN EN ANTWOORDEN PREGUNTAS Y RESPUESTAS CEISTEANNA AGUS AÍ 问题和解答 DOMANDE E RISPOSTE ਸਵਾਲ ਅਤੇ ਜਵਾਬ питання та відповіді PYTANIA I ODPOWIEDZI MGA TANONG AT GOT вопросы и ответы PERGUNTAS E RESPOSTAS CWESTIYNAU AC ATEBION SPØRSMÅL OG SVAR FRÅGOR OCH RDÉSEK ÉS VÁLASZOK QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FRAGEN UND ANTWORTEN QUESTIONS ET RÉPONSES VRAG TWOORDEN PREGUNTAS Y RESPUESTAS CEISTEANNA AGUS FREAGRAÍ 问题和解答 DOMANDE E RISPOSTE ਸਵਾਲ тання та відповіді PYTANIA I ODPOWIEDZI MGA TANONG AT MGA SAGOT вопросы и ответы PERGUNTAS E RESPO ESTIYNAU AC ATEBION SPØRSMÅL OG SVAR FRÅGOR OCH SVAR KÉRDÉSEK ÉS VÁLASZOK QUESTIONS AND ANS AGEN UND ANTWORTEN QUESTIONS ET RÉPONSES VRAGEN EN ANTWOORDEN PREGUNTAS Y RESPUESTAS CEISTEA US FREAGRAÍ 问题和解答 DOMANDE E RISPOSTE ਸਵਾਲ ਅਤੇ ਜਵਾਬ питання та відповіді PYTANIA I ODPOWIEDZ NONG AT MGA SAGOT вопросы и ответы PERGUNTAS E RESPOSTAS CWESTIYNAU AC ATEBION SPØRSMÅL O QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FRAGEN UND ANTWORTEN QUEST ÅGOR OCH SVAR KÉRDÉSEK ÉS VÁLASZOK PONSES VRAGEN EN ANTWOORDEN PREGUNTAS Y RESPUESTAS by steve johnson CEISTEANNA AGUS FREAGRAÍ 问 答 DOMANDE E RISPOSTE ਸਵਾਲ ਅਤੇ ਜਵਾਬ питання та відповіді PYTANIA I ODPOWIEDZI MGA TANONG AT MGA просы и ответы PERGUNTAS E RESPOSTAS CWESTIYNAU AC ATEBION SPØRSMÅL OG SVAR FRÅGOR OCH SVAR KÉRD VÁLASZOK QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FRAGEN UND ANTWORTEN QUESTIONS ET RÉPONSES VRAGEN EN ANTWOOR EGUNTAS Y RESPUESTAS CEISTEANNA AGUS FREAGRAÍ 问题和解答 DOMANDE E RISPOSTE ਸਵਾਲ ਅਤੇ ਜਵਾਬ пита повіді PYTANIA I ODPOWIEDZI MGA TANONG AT MGA SAGOT вопросы и ответы PERGUNTAS E RESPOSTAS CWESTIY ATEBION SPØRSMÅL OG SVAR FRÅGOR OCH SVAR KÉRDÉSEK ÉS VÁLASZOK QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FRAGEN TWORTEN QUESTIONS ET RÉPONSES VRAGEN EN ANTWOORDEN PREGUNTAS Y RESPUESTAS CEISTEANNA AGUS AÍ 问题和解答 DOMANDE E RISPOSTE ਸਵਾਲ ਅਤੇ ਜਵਾਬ питання та відповіді PYTANIA I ODPOWIEDZI MGA TANONG AT GOT вопросы и ответы PERGUNTAS E RESPOSTAS CWESTIYNAU AC ATEBION SPØRSMÅL OG SVAR FRÅGOR OCH RDÉSEK ÉS VÁLASZOK
WHY DO JUDAISM AND CHRISTIANITY DIFFER ON BELIEFS ABOUT THE MESSIAH?
B
oth Judaism and Christianity have the same Old Testament, although we use different names for it and Judaism has additional writings. The essential difference is that Christians accept Jesus as the Messiah and their personal Saviour while Jews do not. Christians believe this because we believe God established a new covenant through Jesus. This new covenant unfolds in the New Testament, which we believe is God’s Word, and is the consummation of the covenant expressed in the Old Testament. Christians believe Jesus fulfilled the prophecies and types of the Messiah in the Old Testament. Judaism rejects all of this and is still watching for the Messiah. There are numerous other stumbling blocks hindering non-believing Jews from believing Jesus is the Messiah. Here are a few examples. Jews believe the Messiah will be a political leader who expels their enemies from their land. They believe
the Messiah will re-establish the Jewish nation and bring peace and prosperity back to God's chosen people. Followers of Judaism do not believe the promised Messiah will come and die to save the world from the burden of sin. Conversely, Christians believe Jesus’ purpose on earth was to bring personal peace between people and God. Even more shocking to the Jews, Christians believe that peace is offered to the Gentiles just as freely as to the Jews. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey just one week before His crucifixion, the Jews hailed Him as a military hero who would save them from Roman occupation (Matthew 21:1–11). When they learned that Jesus was not going to do this, they turned against Him, calling Him a blasphemer claiming to be one with God, and demanded His crucifixion. The Jews reject Jesus as Messiah because it is inconceivable to them that God came down as a man and dwelt among them. To them, it’s impossible
that God has a physical form, and com- sin nature, they do not believe any reasonplete heresy for any man to claim He is able, attentive person can sin so much they God. Today, many Jews acknowledge that cannot find forgiveness through their own Jesus was a great teacher and maybe even effort and careful observance of the law. Finally, the Jews reject Jesus because a prophet. But they hold to the belief that God has blinded them to who He is and Jesus was only a man and not God. Another stumbling block for Jews is so the Gospel could go to the Gentiles. Jesus’ teaching itself. Jesus taught that Since their release from Babylon, the Jews He could forgive sins. Jews believe the for- have been faithful worshippers of God. giveness of sins is a much more involved They know the law and follow it. They process than one man’s word. They also wait expectantly for God’s Messiah—a believe that if sins are forgiven so easily, it military leader who would herald a new age of prosperity. Their zeal for the law will only lead to more sin. blinds them to the lawJesus also taught that The essential difference is Giver. As Romans 10:3 we are to love our enemies and pray for them. that Christians accept Jesus says, “For they don’t This is unthinkable to as the Messiah and their understand God’s way of making people right the long-suffering Jews personal Saviour while with himself. Refusing who have been perseJews do not. to accept God’s way, cuted so harshly by so many. It also sounds contradictory to laws they cling to their own way of getting right in the Old Testament, such as Deuteronomy with God by trying to keep the law.” Paul says in Romans 9:30–32, “What does 17:7, which says, to “purge the evil from among you." The misunderstanding is that all this mean? Even though the Gentiles Jesus was talking about personal relation- were not trying to follow God’s standards, ships He had come to restore. The Jews they were made right with God. And it was thought He had come to restore national by faith that this took place. But the people policy. Jesus taught that our own dealings of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded. should be filled with grace and mercy. Jews also do not accept Jesus’ teach- Why not? Because they were trying to get ing that He is the only way to God right with God by keeping the law instead (John 14:6). With a religious system based of by trusting in him. They stumbled over on restitution and sincere repentance, the great rock in their path.” Jews have no need of an intermediary to reach God. They also don't understand Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for the nature of forgiveness and salvation. Living Canada. Since they do not believe mankind has a
Kick-Starting a Plan to Reach the World
“To reach an ever-challenging world, Spirit-led power must be involved. We dare not do it in the flesh.” - CHUCK SWINDOLL
The disciples stood amid the olive trees on that mountain near Jerusalem listening to their risen Lord one last time. Except they were no longer disciples— Jesus had just commissioned them as apostles. And without warning, the feet of Jesus elevated off the dirt, and the clouds in the blue sky above them received Him out of their sight. Jesus was gone. Confused, they strained to see their Lord when, immediately, two angels appeared and said that He would return just as He came. Jesus promised them the Holy Spirit. He gave them a strategy. Their purpose was clear. Jesus charged the apostles to bear witness to Him across the world in the Spirit’s power until He returns. That’s the plan. Like the apostles, we live during the same in-between time. Like them, we have been equipped with their apostolic testimony recorded in Scripture and clothed with the same Spirit of power to carry out the same plan of reaching the world with Jesus’ message. Locating Your Piece of the Earth Jesus intends for His message to spread to all tribes and languages. Take time to reflect on how you have engaged Jesus’ plan recently. Now consider if there’s any-
thing new God would have you do around your piece of the earth to advance His message. Have you felt your heart tug toward your non-Christian neighbour or your conscience prod you to give a bit more toward missions? Perhaps it’s God! Take a moment to write what you’ve reflected upon and the actions you sense God’s Spirit leading you to take. Sharing with Power While God may not have us perform miracles like the apostles, we still receive power from the Holy Spirit to share the message of Jesus. Take a moment to write a simple prayer requesting God’s power to share His glorious news with those people in your sphere of living who thirst for a sweet word to revive their souls. Then we’ll pray together. A Final Prayer Father, thank You for making me a labourer in Your harvest. You are the Lord of the harvest who extends life, peace, and joy from Your Spirit because of the work of Your Son. Grateful to have life, we give You thanks. Eager to share this news, we ask for power. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“Kick-Starting a Plan to Reach the World” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series The Great Commission. You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.